Imagine taking the iconic Big Mac flavors and transforming them into a mouthwatering, cheesy casserole that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This isn't just another recipe – it's a culinary adventure that brings the beloved fast-food classic right into your home kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that combines the irresistible taste of a Big Mac with the warm, comforting embrace of a home-cooked meal.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup macaroni noodles
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup pickles, chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Add diced onions and cook until the onions are translucent and the beef is fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
- While the beef is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook macaroni noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Drain excess fat from the beef and onion mixture. Return the skillet to low heat and mix in half of the Thousand Island dressing, stirring to coat the meat evenly.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked macaroni noodles as the base. Spread the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer, ensuring even coverage.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Top with chopped pickles and shredded lettuce.
- Drizzle the remaining Thousand Island dressing over the top before serving.
- Slice into portions and serve hot, enjoying the classic Big Mac flavors in a comforting casserole form.
Tips
- Drain the ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole. Use a colander or pat the meat with paper towels to remove excess fat.
- For extra flavor, season the ground beef with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder while cooking.
- Cook the macaroni just until al dente – it will continue to cook slightly in the oven, and you want to avoid mushy noodles.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting quality. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
- For a crispy top, consider broiling the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Customize the toppings! Add extra pickles, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or additional special sauce to make it even more Big Mac-like.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
